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Nissan Maxima making pinging sound

We have always used premium unleaded petrol in our 2008 Nissan Maxima, but for the past nine months it has pinged badly when the car is under load. I went to Nissan about it, but they told me the computer showed no problems. It has variously been suggested that I replace the knock sensor, change to cold plugs, and retard it by two degrees. I am concerned that it could cause damage in the long term and I would just like to get it fixed. Have you had any experience with this problem?

If the knock sensor was at fault it would show up as such on a computer check, and changing the plugs to colder ones is unlikely to do anything, and it's not possible to reset the ignition. Check the airflow meter and have a carbon clean carried out. The most likely cause of the problem is a build-up of carbon in the engine.

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